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System Universe #5
System Interference: A LitRPG Adventure
With those he cares about safe and sound in the city of Savannah, Derek sets off to help another.
After a successful auction, the young Prince Edgar requested Derek’s help on an issue that concerned the safety of the entire Kingdom of Cydaria. A new, level 250 raid dungeon appeared, and Edgar needed the kingdom’s elite to help clear it before the unstable dungeon overflowed, or even worse, broke.
Leaving his shop in the trusting hands of Malorie, and with everyone’s insistence that he go, Derek agreed to the prince’s request and joined him and the others on the raid. However, the dungeon wasn’t what anyone was expecting, and when they went inside, they found that it was a trial dungeon: A dungeon with various trials and obstacles one must overcome to complete it.
Not only was a trial dungeon rare and virtually non-existent in raids, but the entire dungeon was also under a time dilation—causing the time inside the dungeon to pass at a different speed than the time outside.
Now, with two trials completed and another team working on a third, Derek was able to take time to focus on his own Class Upgrade. But after initiating it, he ran into a new problem—the Great System seemed unable to help and thus requested assistance.
With another possible system in play, will it be a one-time assistance? Or will it stick around? If it does stick around, will it help or cause problems? And most importantly, what happened to Silvi’s cookies? Did they burn, or was Malorie able to save them in time?
Find out in the fifth installment of Derek’s journey in the System Universe. Join him and his companions as they adventure in this unique combination of the LitRPG, Isekai, and Slice of Life genres.
After a successful auction, the young Prince Edgar requested Derek’s help on an issue that concerned the safety of the entire Kingdom of Cydaria. A new, level 250 raid dungeon appeared, and Edgar needed the kingdom’s elite to help clear it before the unstable dungeon overflowed, or even worse, broke.
Leaving his shop in the trusting hands of Malorie, and with everyone’s insistence that he go, Derek agreed to the prince’s request and joined him and the others on the raid. However, the dungeon wasn’t what anyone was expecting, and when they went inside, they found that it was a trial dungeon: A dungeon with various trials and obstacles one must overcome to complete it.
Not only was a trial dungeon rare and virtually non-existent in raids, but the entire dungeon was also under a time dilation—causing the time inside the dungeon to pass at a different speed than the time outside.
Now, with two trials completed and another team working on a third, Derek was able to take time to focus on his own Class Upgrade. But after initiating it, he ran into a new problem—the Great System seemed unable to help and thus requested assistance.
With another possible system in play, will it be a one-time assistance? Or will it stick around? If it does stick around, will it help or cause problems? And most importantly, what happened to Silvi’s cookies? Did they burn, or was Malorie able to save them in time?
Find out in the fifth installment of Derek’s journey in the System Universe. Join him and his companions as they adventure in this unique combination of the LitRPG, Isekai, and Slice of Life genres.
410 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2024
1815 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 16, 2024
This unfortunately resembles the standard series falloff I often experience around book 4. Looking at my reviews for books 3 and 4, I was left unsatisfied as if they were side-quest material rather than a proper storyline.
This book continues that trend and then some. The first 40% of the book felt completely pointless even beyond the impression that the whole dungeon run was filler and simply a plot device to remove Derek from the city while an invasion happened.
Between the uninteresting and mostly irrelevant dungeon run, the habitual overwriting, and the lack of proofreading, this was a drop in enjoyment for me and I'm not confident that things will get back on track. There were also way too many extra scenes from support character points of view that felt obligatory to let the reader know the story was progressing off-screen.
This has been the 3rd book in a row that felt poorly paced and full of filler. The book was evidently 400+ pages long, but only contained 50 pages of actual story. If the next book is more of the same, then I will likely be done with this series - which is a sad thing because I really enjoyed the first 2 books.
This book continues that trend and then some. The first 40% of the book felt completely pointless even beyond the impression that the whole dungeon run was filler and simply a plot device to remove Derek from the city while an invasion happened.
Between the uninteresting and mostly irrelevant dungeon run, the habitual overwriting, and the lack of proofreading, this was a drop in enjoyment for me and I'm not confident that things will get back on track. There were also way too many extra scenes from support character points of view that felt obligatory to let the reader know the story was progressing off-screen.
This has been the 3rd book in a row that felt poorly paced and full of filler. The book was evidently 400+ pages long, but only contained 50 pages of actual story. If the next book is more of the same, then I will likely be done with this series - which is a sad thing because I really enjoyed the first 2 books.
February 15, 2024
I detested the dungeon run in book four.
It was filler that wasted only set off an event. This book, being the rest of the run, was boring. Nothing but drawn out set up. I am looking forward to book six where we can get back to the actual storyline.
It was filler that wasted only set off an event. This book, being the rest of the run, was boring. Nothing but drawn out set up. I am looking forward to book six where we can get back to the actual storyline.
February 14, 2024
PLEASE GET THIS PROOFREAD!
It's a fun little overpowered MC story, combined with a fish out of water setting and a light sprinkling of RPG stats. But dear gods does it need a proofreader or copy editor.
The words "lighting" and "lightning" are NOT interchangeable, nor are "of" & "have", nor "duel" & "dual", to give just a few examples.
Further, this volume starts midway through a dungeon run begun in the previous volume, and ends when the dungeon does, which makes it feel like a bit of a bait-and-switch, since you get very little advance on the story, apart from some world-building exposition.
All in all, a good editor would do wonders for this book.
It's a fun little overpowered MC story, combined with a fish out of water setting and a light sprinkling of RPG stats. But dear gods does it need a proofreader or copy editor.
The words "lighting" and "lightning" are NOT interchangeable, nor are "of" & "have", nor "duel" & "dual", to give just a few examples.
Further, this volume starts midway through a dungeon run begun in the previous volume, and ends when the dungeon does, which makes it feel like a bit of a bait-and-switch, since you get very little advance on the story, apart from some world-building exposition.
All in all, a good editor would do wonders for this book.
February 16, 2024
3.75 stars. It was easy to return to this storyline after having to wait several months for the release of this latest book. I am personally disappointed with the increasing importance of Silvi as I continue to find her an annoying choice for bond companion.
February 27, 2024
I think that this is the best book yet! I loved every minute of it and we got some much needed answers to our questions and more answers that we didn't even know we needed to ask. Derek and the OP adventure team he was working with, still needed to finish clearing out the dungeon before they could leave... and the forth challenge was charged an ready for entry. The forth challenge was a single player combat game. After the first player was defeated, Derek took the reins and went in. It wasn't easy as Derek had defeat a monster many levels above Derek, an acid whale, but he managed to defeat it with best outcome. At this point in the book Silvi arrived bringing news from the outside world! Yay! I love Silvi. Derek's bonded companion the murder bunny and resident chef!😄 ... And it isn't 'til Silvi shows up, that I don't think that I've evarrr laughed so hard in a book. Actually squealing in joy! And I quickly made this my top read for the year...
Grab this one 'cause you'll want/NEED to find out what happens next!
Grab this one 'cause you'll want/NEED to find out what happens next!
February 18, 2024
This was a disappointment. Many of the reasons earlier books were enjoyable were largely missing here. Derek was stuck in a dungeon the whole time, fighting monsters and completing trials. I find that sort of thing about as interesting as watching someone play a video game. Dereck didn't interact with the bad guys, nor surprise the masses with his hidden powers. Just dull stuff.
Sophie the rabbit was able to shine but it simply highlighted how reckless it is to grant an animal basic sapience and god-like power without any direct supervision. "Oh dear that city was destroyed, I probably should have trained my rabbit better." [Just a hypothetical]
Without an interesting story to distract me, the terrible grammar was made far too apparent. There were so many errors... I doubt a single paragraph escaped.
That's enough for me. I'm done with this series.
Sophie the rabbit was able to shine but it simply highlighted how reckless it is to grant an animal basic sapience and god-like power without any direct supervision. "Oh dear that city was destroyed, I probably should have trained my rabbit better." [Just a hypothetical]
Without an interesting story to distract me, the terrible grammar was made far too apparent. There were so many errors... I doubt a single paragraph escaped.
That's enough for me. I'm done with this series.
March 19, 2024
Derek has drawn the attention of another powerful entity
As Derek settles into Savannah in his new place, he is drawn into yet another adventure as the youngest prince, Edgar, takes a liking to Derek and invites him to the team planning to enter a max level 250 elite dungeon that has time dilation. Every day inside the dungeon is 12 days outside of it. As the kingdom pulls together their elites to conquered the dungeon before it overflows, other nations are looking to take advantage of their weakness as losing 25 near max level elites hampers their national defense.
Silvi saves the eldest prince from an enemy ambush before popping into the dungeon to ask if she can eat elves! Derek says no while being surprised that Silvi was able to enter the dungeon space at all while it was active with a full party.
Shenanigans, I say!
Just don’t insult the bunny’s cooking skills.
As Derek settles into Savannah in his new place, he is drawn into yet another adventure as the youngest prince, Edgar, takes a liking to Derek and invites him to the team planning to enter a max level 250 elite dungeon that has time dilation. Every day inside the dungeon is 12 days outside of it. As the kingdom pulls together their elites to conquered the dungeon before it overflows, other nations are looking to take advantage of their weakness as losing 25 near max level elites hampers their national defense.
Silvi saves the eldest prince from an enemy ambush before popping into the dungeon to ask if she can eat elves! Derek says no while being surprised that Silvi was able to enter the dungeon space at all while it was active with a full party.
Shenanigans, I say!
Just don’t insult the bunny’s cooking skills.
February 23, 2024
Great book
Damn good book looking forward to reading more hope this series continues on I want a multiverse and some other planets
Damn good book looking forward to reading more hope this series continues on I want a multiverse and some other planets
February 14, 2024
WHERE’S MY HASENPFEFFER?!?!!?
Silvi is ridiculously awesome. Some really neat glimpses into the backbone of the ‘system’.
Mostly still in the raid dungeon, though there are a few chapters for people on the outside.
Now we begin the wait for the next book…
Silvi is ridiculously awesome. Some really neat glimpses into the backbone of the ‘system’.
Mostly still in the raid dungeon, though there are a few chapters for people on the outside.
Now we begin the wait for the next book…
February 15, 2024
Mehhh I didn't have much expectations going in, and I am least bit surprised that it was as formulaic as I had imagined. I think I'm gonna dump this series. It's not going anywhere.
March 13, 2024
I do like these books fine — i made it this far — but I’ve facepalmed at the clunky writing so many times that I wanted to warn people of it at least.
Among many other issues (op mc, stale dialogue, straightforward plot), there’s just not any attempt at cleverness in mechanisms to introduce new topics (I’m currently offended by a disjointed shift from a reveal of a main characters secret power to a dream sequence to tell the backstory and context) and internal thoughts / semi-jokes that serve no purpose, and then the given character *literally* thinks “but that doesn’t matter”. Yeah, we know.
Among many other issues (op mc, stale dialogue, straightforward plot), there’s just not any attempt at cleverness in mechanisms to introduce new topics (I’m currently offended by a disjointed shift from a reveal of a main characters secret power to a dream sequence to tell the backstory and context) and internal thoughts / semi-jokes that serve no purpose, and then the given character *literally* thinks “but that doesn’t matter”. Yeah, we know.
February 26, 2024
I liked this book, but it almost feels like it should've been added to the last book. The "crisis" that has been in the works for the last 3 books, just disappears in a puff.
I'll keep reading the story, but I'm way more interested in the world right now than the characters.
I'll keep reading the story, but I'm way more interested in the world right now than the characters.
March 17, 2024
Best of the series
Lots of action and character building in this one. I don’t want to imply that there isn’t a lot of action in earlier entries, because they’re most certainly is, but it has grown to a broader scale in book 5.
The personal steaks are higher, the national stakes are higher, some characters who didn’t get enough to do before are highlighted more. All around, best in the series so far. I was going to read the sixth book before I said that, only to find out that the sixth book hasn’t come out yet.
I thought for sure that we would get a death of perhaps an important secondary character like the shadow witch, or Walter, in this one. Given what they were going to be involved with, not losing somebody we at least care a little about would be highly disappointing. Even though nobody likes losing an important character, that is the thing that happens when world shaking creatures are attacking. I won’t say whether we do because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it yet.
It was nice to see some of the system clash aspects that were teased in each of the former books, finally begin paying off in weird and wacky ways. There are even some answers revealed which I wasn’t expecting until the final book, so that was entertaining and enlightening.
Some of the bad editing from before continues in this one, including the extreme overuse of the word “clue” and the phrase “have a clue.” I know some authors get into repeat word ruts, like Scott Sigler over using the word “punch”. “Clue”, even though it’s a word that nobody on this planet should know, appears to be this author’s go to overuse word.
That, and routinely miss using the word “Relevant”, where the word “relative” was intended.
At this point I’m used to those things, although obviously they still annoy me.
Anyway, if you have gotten this far in the series, there’s no way you should be thinking about stopping here, because this one pays off everything that was built up in the previous four books, and give some entertaining glimpses of what will be coming next.
Will Derek stroll through the elf kingdom and call down void beasts upon their population centers, only to go back later and harvest them for good eats? or use his newest footwear skill to bring havoc and devastation on the other human kingdom? Will Sylvie go on a rampage and make pies for everyone out of incredibly rare ingredients?
Will Derek finally get off his ass and realize that he is really into Stella or Alana? Or will he come back home and start dating Mallory? All of these are good options although none of them are going to happen I’m sure…
Lots of action and character building in this one. I don’t want to imply that there isn’t a lot of action in earlier entries, because they’re most certainly is, but it has grown to a broader scale in book 5.
The personal steaks are higher, the national stakes are higher, some characters who didn’t get enough to do before are highlighted more. All around, best in the series so far. I was going to read the sixth book before I said that, only to find out that the sixth book hasn’t come out yet.
I thought for sure that we would get a death of perhaps an important secondary character like the shadow witch, or Walter, in this one. Given what they were going to be involved with, not losing somebody we at least care a little about would be highly disappointing. Even though nobody likes losing an important character, that is the thing that happens when world shaking creatures are attacking. I won’t say whether we do because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it yet.
It was nice to see some of the system clash aspects that were teased in each of the former books, finally begin paying off in weird and wacky ways. There are even some answers revealed which I wasn’t expecting until the final book, so that was entertaining and enlightening.
Some of the bad editing from before continues in this one, including the extreme overuse of the word “clue” and the phrase “have a clue.” I know some authors get into repeat word ruts, like Scott Sigler over using the word “punch”. “Clue”, even though it’s a word that nobody on this planet should know, appears to be this author’s go to overuse word.
That, and routinely miss using the word “Relevant”, where the word “relative” was intended.
At this point I’m used to those things, although obviously they still annoy me.
Anyway, if you have gotten this far in the series, there’s no way you should be thinking about stopping here, because this one pays off everything that was built up in the previous four books, and give some entertaining glimpses of what will be coming next.
Will Derek stroll through the elf kingdom and call down void beasts upon their population centers, only to go back later and harvest them for good eats? or use his newest footwear skill to bring havoc and devastation on the other human kingdom? Will Sylvie go on a rampage and make pies for everyone out of incredibly rare ingredients?
Will Derek finally get off his ass and realize that he is really into Stella or Alana? Or will he come back home and start dating Mallory? All of these are good options although none of them are going to happen I’m sure…
June 3, 2025
This is a review of Books 4 & 5 as if they were one book as they should have been. I took a star from my book four review because of the fact the author split the story over two books. But when considered together, this a mostly strong and satisfying story from the author.
We get a big dungeon delve. A trial dungeon, which isn’t something I’ve seen yet in this genre. I know a lot of people who read these series hate mega-dungeon stories, but that’s a personal taste thing and frankly I think they’re in the wrong genre. I love dungeons. Can’t get enough of them. This one was a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed the dragonkin trial, not just for its awesome combat, but for the rewards. There’s nothing quite like seeing the hard work of progression paying off. That’s what gets readers coming back for more (even if they don’t realize it). I did find the final boss a bit underwhelming, it seemed a bit like the classic trope that nothing works and we’re all gonna die then suddenly it’s over. At least the MC didn’t figure it out at the last moment as those tropes usually go, someone else did. So some credit for that.
I was severely annoyed at the rewards though, that is until the author rectified that by tying in the class and race evolution, get to that in a minute, as well as using the opportunity to both get rewards and expand the lore for the larger overall plot of this series so far. That being that there’s lots of systems in the universe, each with their own territory, and apparently they fight when they come into contact with eachother. That’s definitely a unique storyline the author is setting up, and I’m interested in where it goes.
There’s a lot of great progression in these two books. That’s to be expected for the MC going into a Legendary Elite Max Level Dungeon at only level 178. With that juicy XP comes a very satisfying class and race upgrade for the MC and his companion. I’ve never really cared much for his companion so far, as she’s never around, but thankfully that gets fixed in a unique way in book 5 and we finally get to see her cut loose. Not just in the dungeon, but also on the invading army when they get out. Tons of fun all around there. We also get to see some of the previously mysterious kingdom elites flex their skills.
All in all, these two books together make another great episode in this mostly great story. Hopefully the author doesn’t repeat the mistake of splitting this story up moving forward or make other common mistakes authors in this genre make. Oh wait, I’ve already read book 6 and it’s a filler. On to that review.
We get a big dungeon delve. A trial dungeon, which isn’t something I’ve seen yet in this genre. I know a lot of people who read these series hate mega-dungeon stories, but that’s a personal taste thing and frankly I think they’re in the wrong genre. I love dungeons. Can’t get enough of them. This one was a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed the dragonkin trial, not just for its awesome combat, but for the rewards. There’s nothing quite like seeing the hard work of progression paying off. That’s what gets readers coming back for more (even if they don’t realize it). I did find the final boss a bit underwhelming, it seemed a bit like the classic trope that nothing works and we’re all gonna die then suddenly it’s over. At least the MC didn’t figure it out at the last moment as those tropes usually go, someone else did. So some credit for that.
I was severely annoyed at the rewards though, that is until the author rectified that by tying in the class and race evolution, get to that in a minute, as well as using the opportunity to both get rewards and expand the lore for the larger overall plot of this series so far. That being that there’s lots of systems in the universe, each with their own territory, and apparently they fight when they come into contact with eachother. That’s definitely a unique storyline the author is setting up, and I’m interested in where it goes.
There’s a lot of great progression in these two books. That’s to be expected for the MC going into a Legendary Elite Max Level Dungeon at only level 178. With that juicy XP comes a very satisfying class and race upgrade for the MC and his companion. I’ve never really cared much for his companion so far, as she’s never around, but thankfully that gets fixed in a unique way in book 5 and we finally get to see her cut loose. Not just in the dungeon, but also on the invading army when they get out. Tons of fun all around there. We also get to see some of the previously mysterious kingdom elites flex their skills.
All in all, these two books together make another great episode in this mostly great story. Hopefully the author doesn’t repeat the mistake of splitting this story up moving forward or make other common mistakes authors in this genre make. Oh wait, I’ve already read book 6 and it’s a filler. On to that review.
August 19, 2025
This book was mostly an exercise in frustrations. Sadly the series seems to be going downhill a handful of books in, just like so many others in this genre. The title should have been a warning, ‘cause this new element of “system interference” is the worst edition to the plot so far. Having a main character fight through and lose to things they do not have the ability to understand with no chance of doing anything about it is literally the least enjoyable thing to read. It is made all the worse when the main character is built up to be so strong, but then all of a sudden the building of power means nothing, and there isn’t anything anyone can do about it.
The perspective changes ended up being a big negative in book 5 as well. Writing from different perspectives can help a book’s pacing. If one part is slow then switch perspectives to a scene with more action, but if done wrong it hurts the book way more than it helps. Here the author gives us the expected switch to something more exciting, but then we go back to the original perspective and have to listen to characters work through what we already read from the switch. I don’t know how this made it through any sort of editing or drafting process. It is extremely tedious having to read the same thing twice, and nothing is more frustrating than going through this in a book.
I’m also wondering why character sheets end up being a big issue for so many authors in this genre. Having a character look at their long ass character sheet right before a battle that is sure to be fun is one of the worst decisions any author can make. Why is this a thing? How did this series go from being paced so great to a slow wordy slog. On top of that the amount of looking at character stats has increased by multiple times. I’m listening to the audio book and having to fastforward past this every chapter or sometimes twice in the same chapter has really started to get old.
Overall this was not a good entry in the series, and it burnt all the good feelings I had from books one and two. It started out as a solid litRPG/progression fantasy, and one with great pacing that was fun to read. Then books 3, 4, and 5 have brought the series to a screeching stop for no reason I can figure out. All I can guess is the author had the first book or two written before posting on Royal road, and the ensuing publishing schedule after that has hurt the series. I guess I’ll read the next book, but my hopes are not high.
The perspective changes ended up being a big negative in book 5 as well. Writing from different perspectives can help a book’s pacing. If one part is slow then switch perspectives to a scene with more action, but if done wrong it hurts the book way more than it helps. Here the author gives us the expected switch to something more exciting, but then we go back to the original perspective and have to listen to characters work through what we already read from the switch. I don’t know how this made it through any sort of editing or drafting process. It is extremely tedious having to read the same thing twice, and nothing is more frustrating than going through this in a book.
I’m also wondering why character sheets end up being a big issue for so many authors in this genre. Having a character look at their long ass character sheet right before a battle that is sure to be fun is one of the worst decisions any author can make. Why is this a thing? How did this series go from being paced so great to a slow wordy slog. On top of that the amount of looking at character stats has increased by multiple times. I’m listening to the audio book and having to fastforward past this every chapter or sometimes twice in the same chapter has really started to get old.
Overall this was not a good entry in the series, and it burnt all the good feelings I had from books one and two. It started out as a solid litRPG/progression fantasy, and one with great pacing that was fun to read. Then books 3, 4, and 5 have brought the series to a screeching stop for no reason I can figure out. All I can guess is the author had the first book or two written before posting on Royal road, and the ensuing publishing schedule after that has hurt the series. I guess I’ll read the next book, but my hopes are not high.
February 19, 2024
NOTE: Very mild SPOILERS ahead:
I very much enjoy the System Universe series. I've read through the first five books in about as many days, and the story remains engaging and intriguing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
My hope for the next book is that the author can address some of the bigger distractions that mar this overall terrific tale and keep me from rating it above four stars:
1. Lack of a professional proofreader - or a really good pro bono proofreader. There are far too many typos and common grammatical errors for a published work. There are numerous errors in every book in the series. This issue pulls the reader out of the story, and back into the real world.
2. Lack of a professional editor (or competent pro bono editor). The first three books could have been combined into one dense, rich inaugural book to kick off the series. As they are, the books are short, quick reads, even with the LitRPG stats adding to the word count. Although I found the pacing of the main story enjoyable, it is a slog at times, especially in combat/action scenes that have too much inner thought dialogue. There are numerous sections that an entire page consists of a brief exchange between combatants, and the rest is what's going on in their heads. This makes action scenes slow and tedious.
3. Supporting characters are two dimensional and mostly stagnant. Although the MC is a "loner" by habit, he has collected a crew of supporting characters that are important to him. Thus far, at book #5, most of these supporting characters remain to be fully fleshed out and are essentially wallpaper. To demonstrate this point, Silvi has nicknames for most of the supporting characters. Her nicknames are accurate, and represent essentially all that these characters are at this point in the story. I would enjoy seeing them more fleshed out, with their own stories, concerns, trials, and flaws.
I very much enjoy the System Universe series. I've read through the first five books in about as many days, and the story remains engaging and intriguing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
My hope for the next book is that the author can address some of the bigger distractions that mar this overall terrific tale and keep me from rating it above four stars:
1. Lack of a professional proofreader - or a really good pro bono proofreader. There are far too many typos and common grammatical errors for a published work. There are numerous errors in every book in the series. This issue pulls the reader out of the story, and back into the real world.
2. Lack of a professional editor (or competent pro bono editor). The first three books could have been combined into one dense, rich inaugural book to kick off the series. As they are, the books are short, quick reads, even with the LitRPG stats adding to the word count. Although I found the pacing of the main story enjoyable, it is a slog at times, especially in combat/action scenes that have too much inner thought dialogue. There are numerous sections that an entire page consists of a brief exchange between combatants, and the rest is what's going on in their heads. This makes action scenes slow and tedious.
3. Supporting characters are two dimensional and mostly stagnant. Although the MC is a "loner" by habit, he has collected a crew of supporting characters that are important to him. Thus far, at book #5, most of these supporting characters remain to be fully fleshed out and are essentially wallpaper. To demonstrate this point, Silvi has nicknames for most of the supporting characters. Her nicknames are accurate, and represent essentially all that these characters are at this point in the story. I would enjoy seeing them more fleshed out, with their own stories, concerns, trials, and flaws.
June 30, 2024
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!
The MC goes on a 25 person raid dungeon that's just super hard. Though its a high level dungeon, no one exepected it to be this difficult. It tried to kill them at every opportunity. Meanwhile, the elves and dwarfs attacked. They sacked a few towns and put the residents to the sword. But the kings army along with help from Ms Swan and Ms Savannah were able to slow the invasion, while two young masters who were supposed to be getting battle experience turned out to be ner-do-wells. Eventually the scat hit the fan and Silvi had to save the day. Eventually the invasion was put on the back foot.
Meanwhile back in the time extended dungeon, people bonded with dragonkin, Derick got a new polearm, armor and everyone who survived leveled their skills.
Now for the things that I think would improve the story. First, there needs to be more backstory for the villains. Why are the elves attacking now? What's the deal between them and the dwarfs? What role does the elven duke's daughter Sabrina play now that she's been an ambassador/spy and has now trained as an intelligence operative? She's too good a character to sit on the sidelines. Whats up with the three systems and their convergence? How do Dave and Jace play into the system management senario? Why hasn't anyone to build a relationshp with appeared on Derick's radar, even iv just to bump uglies and move on? Maybe Sabrina will get the hots for Derick since she's from such a racist culture. That'd surprise everyone. Why not Alanah Swan, Stella Brighton, or Rayna (ok she's like a sister), for either a tryst or a longer relationship? Maybe even Malorie, though that would be very, very weird.
Still, Im loving the story. Onward to the next book!
The MC goes on a 25 person raid dungeon that's just super hard. Though its a high level dungeon, no one exepected it to be this difficult. It tried to kill them at every opportunity. Meanwhile, the elves and dwarfs attacked. They sacked a few towns and put the residents to the sword. But the kings army along with help from Ms Swan and Ms Savannah were able to slow the invasion, while two young masters who were supposed to be getting battle experience turned out to be ner-do-wells. Eventually the scat hit the fan and Silvi had to save the day. Eventually the invasion was put on the back foot.
Meanwhile back in the time extended dungeon, people bonded with dragonkin, Derick got a new polearm, armor and everyone who survived leveled their skills.
Now for the things that I think would improve the story. First, there needs to be more backstory for the villains. Why are the elves attacking now? What's the deal between them and the dwarfs? What role does the elven duke's daughter Sabrina play now that she's been an ambassador/spy and has now trained as an intelligence operative? She's too good a character to sit on the sidelines. Whats up with the three systems and their convergence? How do Dave and Jace play into the system management senario? Why hasn't anyone to build a relationshp with appeared on Derick's radar, even iv just to bump uglies and move on? Maybe Sabrina will get the hots for Derick since she's from such a racist culture. That'd surprise everyone. Why not Alanah Swan, Stella Brighton, or Rayna (ok she's like a sister), for either a tryst or a longer relationship? Maybe even Malorie, though that would be very, very weird.
Still, Im loving the story. Onward to the next book!
May 13, 2025
Nope. Sadly this was a miss.
The whole part was just the second half of the dungeon. The plot fails to be interesting. You just wait for Derek to get out.
Then we finally get the last super strong class upgrade … that isn’t really that much stronger. 5 more stats and two skills that don’t really do much, except maybe set up future books, as he can travel the void now. In exchange he constantly got system interference messages, that made his trials more difficult than normal, but downgraded his reward. Like seriously, others got 210 stats, equipment, achievements and more than ten skills upgrades for the last 3 trials. Derik got some skills he either didn’t need or could have gotten otherwise and boots…
Nice way to ruin the fun of diving the dungeon! Of course that is not an issue as Derek has his crown meals for stat growth. Except he doesn’t eat them. Not in the last book, not in this one either. Why bother giving him these magical stat boosting meals, if you just forget about them?
The only one really profiting in this one is Sivie. The arrogant and egoistic bunny, that has barely done anything significant these last few books, once again gets undeserved power ups and the limelight. … Wo ho!
Sorry, I just don’t like the comedic relief little mascot that gets away with anything because its seemingly cute, even if this one is comparatively better than other cases.
The events outside the dungeon were much more interesting. Shame the interesting part happened in the background.
The whole part was just the second half of the dungeon. The plot fails to be interesting. You just wait for Derek to get out.
Then we finally get the last super strong class upgrade … that isn’t really that much stronger. 5 more stats and two skills that don’t really do much, except maybe set up future books, as he can travel the void now. In exchange he constantly got system interference messages, that made his trials more difficult than normal, but downgraded his reward. Like seriously, others got 210 stats, equipment, achievements and more than ten skills upgrades for the last 3 trials. Derik got some skills he either didn’t need or could have gotten otherwise and boots…
Nice way to ruin the fun of diving the dungeon! Of course that is not an issue as Derek has his crown meals for stat growth. Except he doesn’t eat them. Not in the last book, not in this one either. Why bother giving him these magical stat boosting meals, if you just forget about them?
The only one really profiting in this one is Sivie. The arrogant and egoistic bunny, that has barely done anything significant these last few books, once again gets undeserved power ups and the limelight. … Wo ho!
Sorry, I just don’t like the comedic relief little mascot that gets away with anything because its seemingly cute, even if this one is comparatively better than other cases.
The events outside the dungeon were much more interesting. Shame the interesting part happened in the background.
February 17, 2024
Questions answered
Book five picks up at book four's cliff hanger ending. Cydaria has been invaded and 25 of the kingdom's highest elites are locked in a killer epic raid dungeon with a much slower temporal setting. Time passes faster outside the dungeon.
Much of the book focuses on the continued growth of Derek and his bonded companion, the Void Bunny, Sylvi. Both are already vastly overpowered and they continue to push the limits of the System until they surpass them. This causes all kinds of issues for Derek trying to finish the raid.
The rest of the book focuses outside the raid, on the invasion of Cydaria. When the Crown Prince is trapped and maimed in an ambush he is unexpectedly rescued at the last second. This rescue so shocks the invaders that they shift the focus of their attack to Sunrise, where Derek has made his home.
Bracketing the story are brief glimpses of Jace, who I am expecting to end of being a rival to Derek in an upcoming book.
This was a fun book to read. We got to see Derek, who has always been a loner, forced to not only work as part of a team, he also gets stuck leading it. There are also some strong battle sequences involving characters we don't normally get a chance to see in action.
Read every day and read for fun!
Book five picks up at book four's cliff hanger ending. Cydaria has been invaded and 25 of the kingdom's highest elites are locked in a killer epic raid dungeon with a much slower temporal setting. Time passes faster outside the dungeon.
Much of the book focuses on the continued growth of Derek and his bonded companion, the Void Bunny, Sylvi. Both are already vastly overpowered and they continue to push the limits of the System until they surpass them. This causes all kinds of issues for Derek trying to finish the raid.
The rest of the book focuses outside the raid, on the invasion of Cydaria. When the Crown Prince is trapped and maimed in an ambush he is unexpectedly rescued at the last second. This rescue so shocks the invaders that they shift the focus of their attack to Sunrise, where Derek has made his home.
Bracketing the story are brief glimpses of Jace, who I am expecting to end of being a rival to Derek in an upcoming book.
This was a fun book to read. We got to see Derek, who has always been a loner, forced to not only work as part of a team, he also gets stuck leading it. There are also some strong battle sequences involving characters we don't normally get a chance to see in action.
Read every day and read for fun!
November 23, 2024
This was slightly better than book 4 in my opinion. The story is faster paced, and some of the battles were pretty exciting. I really only have two major complaints. First is the frequent reading of the entire stat sheets. Depending on how you are reading this (ebook, full screen/ereader, paperback, etc.), the stats take up 3-5 pages. If you are listening, they now tke 3-4 minutes to get through it depending on your listening speed. That's too much fluff for multiple points in the book. I would rather see the MCs stats at the beginning and end of the book in full, and then only the relevant stat or skill increase during the story. It's too tedious and distracing otherwise. My other issue is with the story.
Overall the pacing was much better than the previous book, and the story overall is still very entertaining.
Overall the pacing was much better than the previous book, and the story overall is still very entertaining.
March 21, 2024
21% I've always thought about the harbinger's material drain ability since he entered the lungs lol
27% I understand looking after your own, but do you really not have any empathy, Derek????
49% UGH THE MAGES THRIVING AND FIGHTING, THANK GOD
59% every other character is likeable except for the main character
62% vanessa going solo, that's my mutha
68% victor is right lol
75% unfortunately i do have to agree with some of the reviews with this book in regards of pacing and overwriting. Like I can't believe we'll probably only get out of the dungeon at the final chapter like my god. But i still have twenty-five percent of the book still unread so maybe the final fight would only take up 1 chapter
82% SILVI, YOU STUPID FUCKING BUNNY WHAT ARE YOU DOING
BITCH APPARENTLY SHE WAS actually DOING SOMETHING TO ADVANCE THE FIGHT???? I THOUGHT SHE WAS JUST COOKING IN THE TIME PRISON
92% derek is already so overpowered....... Why does he even need these powerful spatial abilities.........
Love the story despite some of the book's hang-ups.
27% I understand looking after your own, but do you really not have any empathy, Derek????
49% UGH THE MAGES THRIVING AND FIGHTING, THANK GOD
59% every other character is likeable except for the main character
62% vanessa going solo, that's my mutha
68% victor is right lol
75% unfortunately i do have to agree with some of the reviews with this book in regards of pacing and overwriting. Like I can't believe we'll probably only get out of the dungeon at the final chapter like my god. But i still have twenty-five percent of the book still unread so maybe the final fight would only take up 1 chapter
82% SILVI, YOU STUPID FUCKING BUNNY WHAT ARE YOU DOING
BITCH APPARENTLY SHE WAS actually DOING SOMETHING TO ADVANCE THE FIGHT???? I THOUGHT SHE WAS JUST COOKING IN THE TIME PRISON
92% derek is already so overpowered....... Why does he even need these powerful spatial abilities.........
Love the story despite some of the book's hang-ups.
March 26, 2024
Boring Magic System
I’m glad he finally got some offensive skills (even though it was at the end). The book was closer to 4 stars but the power scaling in the book is too annoying to overlook. In addition to that the MC is just a meat stick. There is almost no interesting aspects about magic anymore in the series. It’s just him hitting hard and hoping for the best. This series is starting to fail where many have before it. Presenting a world of magic in a vague sense but not actually exploring it because the Author decided to write about a character with little to no nuance with magic. Addressing the power scaling comment, when analyzing the final fight the MC was barely useful. All this maxing of states and skills and his contributions were only marginally better than his other party memebers. Despite that, his talk with system admin made it seem like he is hitting over the peak of the current system but barely seems stronger than those within it. I hope the author brings back an emphasis of exploring magic and the systems.
I’m glad he finally got some offensive skills (even though it was at the end). The book was closer to 4 stars but the power scaling in the book is too annoying to overlook. In addition to that the MC is just a meat stick. There is almost no interesting aspects about magic anymore in the series. It’s just him hitting hard and hoping for the best. This series is starting to fail where many have before it. Presenting a world of magic in a vague sense but not actually exploring it because the Author decided to write about a character with little to no nuance with magic. Addressing the power scaling comment, when analyzing the final fight the MC was barely useful. All this maxing of states and skills and his contributions were only marginally better than his other party memebers. Despite that, his talk with system admin made it seem like he is hitting over the peak of the current system but barely seems stronger than those within it. I hope the author brings back an emphasis of exploring magic and the systems.
February 22, 2024
Rating 3.0 stars
Meh. I had high hopes for this series but the last couple of books has me asking myself "what's the point?". Derrick is in the dungeon fighting for ...... what exactly? The people he has grown to care about. Sure. He has barely been around then in the last 3 books though so that is kind of a flimsy excuse. To gain more power? Sure, but he is already insanely powerful and can gain power in a number of ways. He doesn't seem to be happy in the dungeon run and is just kind of going through the motions. What are his long-term goals? Where is this story going and why should I care? There is also a couple of chapters about a guy from back on earth named Jace. Why is he involved at all. He has made a very small appearance in the last couple of books and I have no idea what his addition adds to the overall plot. Overall, the magic system is still interesting, I do like OP main characters but everything else is just ... whatever.
Meh. I had high hopes for this series but the last couple of books has me asking myself "what's the point?". Derrick is in the dungeon fighting for ...... what exactly? The people he has grown to care about. Sure. He has barely been around then in the last 3 books though so that is kind of a flimsy excuse. To gain more power? Sure, but he is already insanely powerful and can gain power in a number of ways. He doesn't seem to be happy in the dungeon run and is just kind of going through the motions. What are his long-term goals? Where is this story going and why should I care? There is also a couple of chapters about a guy from back on earth named Jace. Why is he involved at all. He has made a very small appearance in the last couple of books and I have no idea what his addition adds to the overall plot. Overall, the magic system is still interesting, I do like OP main characters but everything else is just ... whatever.
June 1, 2024
Still Strong Storyline
Pretty good writing for the most part. Only few minor technical flaws at the word choice level.
The biggest and most annoying error was typical LitRPG error...losing track or character sheet advancement. At 2/3rds point in the book the author raised the level of an important new specialized skill for the second time in text and on sheet for main character and it still was noted as level 2, i.e. 1+1=2 2+1=2. Such are the hazard of writing were cutting and pasting big character sheets. One distraction in real life and technical mistakes occurs. At least in this case the author was not also swapping events with cut and paste too. So the story hiccup was just that character failed to grow in one area as story suggested. A hiccup not mass confusion or contradictions actually scrambling the storyline.
Pretty good writing for the most part. Only few minor technical flaws at the word choice level.
The biggest and most annoying error was typical LitRPG error...losing track or character sheet advancement. At 2/3rds point in the book the author raised the level of an important new specialized skill for the second time in text and on sheet for main character and it still was noted as level 2, i.e. 1+1=2 2+1=2. Such are the hazard of writing were cutting and pasting big character sheets. One distraction in real life and technical mistakes occurs. At least in this case the author was not also swapping events with cut and paste too. So the story hiccup was just that character failed to grow in one area as story suggested. A hiccup not mass confusion or contradictions actually scrambling the storyline.
February 16, 2024
Finally, we get more Silvi; she feels like a proper cast member again. The reason for her surprise visit to Derek is the best moment of this book. Also loved learning more about Alanah and seeing her cut loose.
The raid itself felt more like a background contrivance to keep some high-powered players out of action to justify the invasion storyline. It did that job, I suppose, but even though Derek spends the book still in the raid, it didn't really feel relevant outside of setting up the big boss battle. Most of what happened inside the raid could have just as easily happened in the city. For me, it didn't really detract from, or add to, this story.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
The raid itself felt more like a background contrivance to keep some high-powered players out of action to justify the invasion storyline. It did that job, I suppose, but even though Derek spends the book still in the raid, it didn't really feel relevant outside of setting up the big boss battle. Most of what happened inside the raid could have just as easily happened in the city. For me, it didn't really detract from, or add to, this story.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
September 12, 2024
Another great story
I've read all this series so far and really liked them all.
This one has more about the character Jace, and what happens with them a well as more about a certain murderous rabbit.
The story continues with the dungeon but expands to the war with elves and the other country, Astrus. Some tense moments and wonderful characterisation. Derek keeps pretending he only cares about himself and his few friends but do down we know this isn't quite true anymore as in the story he realises this won't be enough. Great character personal growth being shown as well as the actual levels the character achieves.
I read these on Kindle unlimited, but having enjoyed them so much I'm saving pennies to actually buy them for rereading next time.
I've read all this series so far and really liked them all.
This one has more about the character Jace, and what happens with them a well as more about a certain murderous rabbit.
The story continues with the dungeon but expands to the war with elves and the other country, Astrus. Some tense moments and wonderful characterisation. Derek keeps pretending he only cares about himself and his few friends but do down we know this isn't quite true anymore as in the story he realises this won't be enough. Great character personal growth being shown as well as the actual levels the character achieves.
I read these on Kindle unlimited, but having enjoyed them so much I'm saving pennies to actually buy them for rereading next time.
February 23, 2024
An easy read, although I did find some recurring repetitions and redundancies irritating.
The MC's arrogance is less visible but still present. His fights become uninteresting... like all the others.
As with the previous volume, I have this feeling of stagnation and that the 400 pages (again, an easy read) are too long for what it brings.
As a result, I'm detaching myself from this series, and would pick it up again... one day, maybe. Or until it disgusts me.
PS: A work on geopolitics that was largely skimmed over, a war that deserved more scope... An ending with a character I'd completely forgotten about that serves as a teaser for a too-distant future.
The MC's arrogance is less visible but still present. His fights become uninteresting... like all the others.
As with the previous volume, I have this feeling of stagnation and that the 400 pages (again, an easy read) are too long for what it brings.
As a result, I'm detaching myself from this series, and would pick it up again... one day, maybe. Or until it disgusts me.
PS: A work on geopolitics that was largely skimmed over, a war that deserved more scope... An ending with a character I'd completely forgotten about that serves as a teaser for a too-distant future.
November 5, 2024
I am really hooked to this series. Derek has gotten a ton of gold and prizes after his auction and after meeting the Prince gets invited to a brand new Dungeon. The Raid team is all the upper crust of Cydaria and he agrees to join. The Dungeon has a time distortion so while only days go by in the dungeon weeks go by outside.
The Dungeon is max level and even with the best of the best they have losses. Meanwhile outside the Dungeon, Cydaria is being invaded. This is not good and the Raid party breaks apart when the Prince decides to use an escape scroll to help his nation. Derek is left in charge!
The Dungeon is max level and even with the best of the best they have losses. Meanwhile outside the Dungeon, Cydaria is being invaded. This is not good and the Raid party breaks apart when the Prince decides to use an escape scroll to help his nation. Derek is left in charge!
February 16, 2024
Not wasting anymore of my time with this series.
It just get's worse and worse. This series has a great start and an interesting premise. However, the author either doesn't know where the story is going or is just milking the reader base. I can't believe it took two books for a single dungeon. There are ENTIRE universes to explore, kingdoms and other interesting people. however, we're stuck in this boring dungeon. The story isn't going anywhere and is just boring at this stage. I'm just done.
It just get's worse and worse. This series has a great start and an interesting premise. However, the author either doesn't know where the story is going or is just milking the reader base. I can't believe it took two books for a single dungeon. There are ENTIRE universes to explore, kingdoms and other interesting people. however, we're stuck in this boring dungeon. The story isn't going anywhere and is just boring at this stage. I'm just done.
February 17, 2024
it’s fine
The story is still pretty decent but it doesn’t seem to cover much of the original side characters, apart from Alayna swan. Secondly, I know a lot of people love having a bonded character and even enjoy Silvi a lot but he really over did it for me in this book. I am not a fan of Silvi, especially how she is portrayed in this book almost to the point of skimming her parts. I still think the book can easily recover but the author really seems to love Silvi, like a lot.
The story is still pretty decent but it doesn’t seem to cover much of the original side characters, apart from Alayna swan. Secondly, I know a lot of people love having a bonded character and even enjoy Silvi a lot but he really over did it for me in this book. I am not a fan of Silvi, especially how she is portrayed in this book almost to the point of skimming her parts. I still think the book can easily recover but the author really seems to love Silvi, like a lot.
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